When you’re addicted to gambling, it can seem like a hopeless situation. However, there are a few things you can do to help yourself break the habit and stop gambling on online slots. The first step is to recognize that gambling is an addiction, and it will take a long time to overcome. In the meantime, you can seek treatment options and support from family and friends.
The second step is to place more barriers between yourself and your addictive behavior. If your current pattern is to sit down at your computer or phone, open your browser and navigate to a gambling website within seconds, try putting some more obstacles in your way. For example, you can use blocking software to prevent yourself from visiting dangerous websites. There are also apps that allow you to set recurring block sessions, so you can stop yourself from visiting the websites you’re most likely to go to. These types of tools are great because they don’t rely on your willpower to keep you from visiting harmful sites; instead, you can schedule blocks ahead of time and let the app do the work for you.
Many people who struggle with gambling addiction also have a hard time admitting that they have an issue, which can make it even harder to stop the behavior. You can help yourself by keeping meticulous records of your time spent, money in and out, and comparing them to your bank statement each month. This will provide you with a clear picture of the real problem, so you can take concrete steps to address it.
Another important thing to do is find new hobbies that can replace the negative behaviors associated with your gambling addiction. Hobbies are generally considered to be beneficial for mental health, because they offer a sense of accomplishment and a break from everyday life. In addition, they can also give you a natural high similar to the one you’d get from winning a jackpot or leveling up in a game.
People who suffer from a gambling addiction often have problems coping with anxiety and depression. These issues can contribute to risky gambling behaviors, such as chasing losses and attempting to make up for past mistakes. If you have underlying emotional issues, it’s important to see a therapist to work through them before trying to quit gambling.
There are several resources available to help you with your gambling addiction, including online self-assessment tools and financial management help. You can also seek treatment for gambling addiction from inpatient or residential programs, which are a good option for severe cases of gambling addiction.
Lastly, you can also consider joining the “banned list” at your local casino to keep yourself away from online gambling. This process varies by casino, but typically involves contacting the staff and filling out a form. You can find more information about the different options available at each casino by visiting their ‘Responsible Gambling’ page.